Ask Dr. Vinny

Should one leave the wine bottle at the table while you are drinking it? How about once it is empty? Can you leave it at the table?

—Maria, Calgary, Alberta

Dear Maria,

You didn’t specify whether this is in a restaurant setting or just at home, but the standards are pretty similar. Once opened, the wine bottle should be left on the table—or nearby, if the table is too crowded—so that it’s convenient for refills. I also enjoy looking at the bottle while I’m drinking a wine, which helps me remember the name and the label.

Once a bottle is empty, it’s good to clear it away, just like you’d clear empty plates of food or other dishes when you’re done with them. It’s also a good signal that it’s time for another bottle, and that one shouldn’t try to pour from the empty.

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